A Famosa History

Unlike the inscription Anno 1670, a Famosa history dates back to 1511 when the Portuguese conquered Melaka, what is now known as Malacca Malaysia.

After establishing outposts like Macau and Goa, the Portuguese fleet commanded by Alfonso de Albuquerque attacked and defeated the armies of the Malacca Sultanate.

Alfonso built the “A Famosa” fortress around a natural hill near the sea. The Portuguese fended of attacks by the armies of Sultan of Melaka from this fortress for over a century.

Unfortunately for the Portuguese, the Dutch East Indian Company took over the trading routes and drove the Portuguese out of Melaka in 1641.

The Dutch then fortified the fortress, which explains the logo ‘ANNO 1670’ inscribed on the gate of a Famosa. In the arch, you also see the logo of the East Indian Company.

The next colonizers to take over the fortress were the British. Unfortunately, they didn’t see the fortress of any use and started demolishing it.

When a Famosa was almost completely demolished, Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of Singapore, happened to visit Melaka. Because of his passion for history, the small Gate de Santiago is what remains to remind us about the A Famosa history.